French sports broadcaster La Chaîne L’Équipe has suspended presenter France Pierron after her comments about Belgium star Jeremy Doku’s decision to leave his country’s World Cup camp for the birth of his first child sparked widespread criticism.
Pierron will not host Monday’s edition of L’Équipe de Choc, the debate programme where she made the remarks last Friday. The suspension comes amid growing backlash, with reports also pointing to internal disagreements over how the broadcaster handled the controversy.
The debate began after Doku revealed he intends to temporarily leave Belgium’s squad in July to be with his partner for the birth of their child, which is expected to coincide with the latter stages of the tournament.
During the discussion, Pierron questioned the decision, arguing that fathers play little role during childbirth and suggesting Doku would be missing a rare sporting opportunity. Her comments were immediately challenged by former French boxer Brahim Asloum, who insisted that witnessing the birth of one’s child is far more important.
Doku, 24, had earlier spoken about the difficult choice between football and family.
“Nobody wants to miss the birth of their first child. But I also know that football involves many other considerations,” he said.
Belgian media reports indicate that plans are in place for Doku to travel home by private jet if Belgium progress to the latter stages of the tournament.
Meanwhile, reports from within La Chaîne L’Équipe claim the broadcaster initially resisted removing clips of Pierron’s remarks as they spread online, only reversing course after public criticism intensified. The handling of the situation has reportedly drawn criticism from members of the channel’s editorial team.
